Flashes and Floaters

Floaters are small particles suspended within the vitreous gel in the back of the eye. The vitreous is a clear gel-like fluid that fills the space inside the back of the eye and in front of the retina. The small particles will typically appear as strands, spots, or cobwebs that float freely in your line of sight. Many patients will actually say they swat at what appears to be a bug or gnat. Floaters are most visible when looking at a light, uniform background such as a cloudless sky or empty wall. Floaters are caused by small particles that are trapped during the formation of the eye. They can also be caused by an aging change in the normal composition of the vitreous gel. Certain eye diseases or trauma may also contribute to the appearance of Floaters. Floaters are mostly untreatable, and are usually no more than a nuisance. They will either move out of the line of sight or you just get used to them and block them out. On occasion, Light Flashes will accompany Floaters. The most common cause of this occurrence is Posterior Vitreous Detachment or PVD. PVD is a normal aging change that results when the vitreous gel becomes more watery, shrinks, and detaches from the back of the eye. If the process tugs on the retina, Light Flashes will be seen. If the tugging on the retina is excessive, a retinal tear can occur. This requires immediate attention. The tear can usually be repaired with a laser, but if left undetected or untreated, a retinal detachment can develop. Most Floaters, and even Flashes are harmless, but a thorough retinal exam is a must when symptoms first develop.